title: Early postoperative nutritional support using the serosal tunnel jejunostomy.
abstract: A silicone rubber serosal tunnel jejunostomy for postoperative nutritional therapy was placed in 38 patients who had major operations. A dilute, chemically defined diet was begun within 48 hours of surgery and an attempt made to advance it slowly to full strength by the fifth day. No catheter-related complications occurred. Intravenous fluid therapy was shortened to less than three days in 11 (29%) patients. Only 17 (45%) patients tolerated full-strength feedings within the protocol time. Three (8%) patients depended on their tube feedings for over 30 days and the need for parenteral nutrition was avoided. Of six septic patients, four had complete intolerance of the diet; two of these developed massive gastric hypersecretion. Serum albumin was a statistically significant indicator of whether a patient could tolerate tube feedings. No patient with an albumin less than 3 g/dl tolerated full-strength feedings and the pded. Of six septic patients, four had complete intolerance of the diet; two of these developed massive gastric hypersecretion. Serum albumin was a statistically significant indicator of whether a patient could tolerate tube feedings. No patient with an albumin less than 3 g/dl tolerated full-strength feedings and the patients with albumin greater than 4 g/dl had no problems. Postoperative feeding utilizing the serosal tunnel jejunostomy is technically safe, but feeding difficulties can be anticipated in those patients who are septic or severely malnourished; these are the patients whose nutritional needs are the greatest. The greatest benefits accrue to those patients who are in need of long-term nutritional support. We recommend routine placement of these catheters in major operations.
mesh_terms: D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007583:Jejunum / Q000601:surgery*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012704:Serous Membrane; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin